Jones introduces bill to prohibit painfully addictive drug

LANSING, Mich. —Sen. Rick Jones has introduced legislation to prohibit tianeptine sodium, a painfully addictive compound that binds to opioid receptors in the brain like heroin and oxycodone.

“This is an extremely addictive drug that has been described by medical professionals as a combination of Xanax, Prozac and morphine,” said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. “This drug was developed in the 1960s and has never been FDA-approved. Unfortunately, the drug has become available on the internet, and we must classify it as a Schedule 2 to restrict access to this highly addictive and dangerous drug.”

Senate Bill 801 would add tianeptine sodium to Michigan’s list of Schedule 2 controlled substances, making it illegal to use or possess without a valid U.S. prescription.

“This product was developed in France, but other countries, such as Russia, have restricted this drug because of the high rate it is being abused,” Jones said. “In France, a suggested dosage of this antidepressant is 10-12 mg. However, it is being found to be administered by people without prescription at 500-3,000 mg and withdrawal symptoms are extremely painful and violent.

“To help protect our communities from tianeptine sodium, this legislation makes it clear that this substance is not allowed in Michigan.”

SB 801 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.